Thailand Passes Landmark Bill for Marriage Equality

March 28, 2024

Recently, Thailand’s parliament has approved a marriage equality bill, bringing the country closer to becoming the third territory in Asia to legalise same-sex unions. The bill, which was more than a decade in the making, received support from all major political parties in Thailand. Out of the 415 lawmakers present during the parliamentary session, 400 voted in favour of the bill, while only 10 voted against it.

Next Steps for the Bill

The legislation still requires approval from the Senate and endorsement from the king before it can become law. Once these steps are completed, the bill will take effect 120 days later.

Thailand’s Progressive Stance on LGBT Issues

The passage of this bill highlights Thailand’s position as one of the most liberal countries in Asia when it comes to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues. The country has a vibrant and visible LGBT social scene, attracting both locals and expatriates. Thailand has also targeted campaigns to attract LGBT travellers, showcasing its openness and progressive attitudes towards the community.

Countries in Asia Legalizing Same Sex Marriage

Asia has seen significant progress in LGBT rights in recent years, with several countries taking steps towards legalising same-sex unions. Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019, followed by Nepal in 2020. Other countries, such as Japan and South Korea, have also seen growing support for LGBT rights, with local governments recognising same-sex partnerships. However, many Asian countries still have laws that criminalise same-sex relationships, and discrimination against the LGBT community remains prevalent in some societies.

Buddhism and LGBT Issues

Buddhism, the dominant religion in Thailand, has a complex relationship with LGBT issues. While some Buddhist texts and traditions may not explicitly condemn same-sex relationships, societal norms and conservative interpretations of Buddhist teachings have often led to discrimination against the LGBT community. However, there are also examples of Buddhist leaders and organisations promoting acceptance and equality for LGBT individuals. As societies evolve and become more progressive, there is a growing movement within Buddhist communities to embrace diversity and support LGBT rights.

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